Lathe for Suppressor and general use

[alterian]

Hello, Ill begin by introducing my self. My name is luis and I recently became interested in buying a lathe. What attracted me was actually to build or two a suppressor. I’m a fast learner with some mechanic experience. I’ve been looking at different kinds of lathes for the last month or two, I still cant make up my mind. I’ve been looking at the grizzly 4003G, G0602 and PM-1127-VF-LB. I think one of the main reason I’m looking at the 4003G and haven’t gotten the G0602 is the Bore size. I’m trying not to go all out and spend a lot, however I want to get something that I can use in the future. I’m not to sure if I would use it other than making suppressors and minor jobs for the truck and house. I don’t see my self threading rifle barrels or anything. I just don’t want to regret not going bigger. This will end up going I’m my garage. So I have a few questions perhaps someone can help me out on.


If anyone has made cans on here, what kind of lathe did you use?
Can the G0602 be used to make a can? Ill have to use a Steady rest correct?
Can the G0602 do anything that the bigger 4003G? regarding Threading, baffles and basics?
Can the G0602 work on Titanium, 17-4 Steel?
What else can you make on a lathe?
Can I make and or thread pistol barrels on a G0602
How much harder would it be to make a can on the smaller one then bigger one?
What do you recommend?
What tooling/tools am I going to need to buy in order to make a suppressor?

By the way Form 1 is in hand so not to worry. I know, I know Chinese made, but I just need it to do what I to. Again, thanks

 

[John_Dennis]

Welcome to the forum.

There is a gun smithing forum on this site if you scroll down a little further past the specific machine brands.

I am not familiar with any of those machines. I can tell you that if you don't get at least a 10 inch machine with a change gearbox you will be looking to upgrade almost immediately. If you can find a Logan or Atlas in good condition it will probably do everything you want.

Having said that, be very careful who you get advice from about the legality of manufacturing suppressors, even for personal use. This is a case where even if you are 100% correct, you can spend a lot of time and money proving that if some over zealous D.A. or cop takes exception.

There are some great links at the top of this forum about basic machining technique. I would start with "Tubal Cain", he is a retired shop teacher. He is a great instructor.

Good Luck

John Dennis

 

[alterian]

I cant find the gunsmith forum, can you paste a link?

 

[alterian]

Nevermind, found it. Ill repost there, thanks.

 

[alterian]

Lathe for Suppressors and general use

Hello, Ill begin by introducing my self. My name is luis and I recently became interested in buying a lathe. What attracted me was actually to build or two a suppressor. I’m a fast learner with some mechanic experience. I’ve been looking at different kinds of lathes for the last month or two, I still cant make up my mind. I’ve been looking at the grizzly 4003G, G0602 and PM-1127-VF-LB. I think one of the main reason I’m looking at the 4003G and haven’t gotten the G0602 is the Bore size. I’m trying not to go all out and spend a lot, however I want to get something that I can use in the future. I’m not to sure if I would use it other than making suppressors and minor jobs for the truck and house. I don’t see my self threading rifle barrels or anything. I just don’t want to regret not going bigger. This will end up going I’m my garage. So I have a few questions perhaps someone can help me out on. As i said id prefer not to spend alot but i can flex a lil.


If anyone has made cans on here, what kind of lathe did you use?
Can the G0602 be used to make cans? Ill have to use a Steady rest correct?
Can the G0602 do anything that the bigger 4003G? regarding Threading, baffles and any other basics tasks?
Can the G0602 work on Titanium and 17-4 Steel?
What else can you make on a lathe?
Can I make and or thread pistol barrels on a G0602
How much harder would it be to make a can on the smaller one then bigger one?
What do you recommend as far a lathes?
***What tooling/tools am I going to need to buy in order to make a suppressor?

By the way Form 1 is in hand so not to worry. I know, I know Chinese made, but I just need it to do what I to. Again, thanks

 

[Karl_T]

Re: Lathe for Suppressors and general use

most any lathe has enough size to machine a can. But you'd have trouble with titanium on the Asian lathes.

Personally, I'd consider can building to be more of an advanced lathe operation. You need to get a lot of practice with basic parts first. I assume you know most baffles need mill work also.

I assume you've been to Silencer talk forum. that's all they do over there.

karl

 

[dave2176]

Re: Lathe for Suppressors and general use

The G4003G is well suited for what you describe. I am aware of it being used for the purposes you state. I would stay away from the smaller lathes.

Dave

 

[mecompco]

Re: Lathe for Suppressors and general use

Great project! Back when I had my Title II manufacturer's license, we had a machinist friend that did most of our work making SBS, SBRs and full-auto conversions. We never did make any suppressors. Jonathan Arthur Ciener was a friend who we used to hang out with at the various shoots and we learned a lot about suppressors from him.

We used to sell his suppressors, as well as AWC. My first suppressor was a Cobray on my MAC-11/9; a very simple can using packing and neoprene wipe. I assume you'll be making more hi-tech cans. I had a very nice AWC (dry, using aluminum baffles) on my Beretta Modello 12--very quiet.

IDK if you're going to go into business, but it seems like a good idea to consider something that will accept a rifle barrel.

Good luck with you project!

Regards,
Michael

 

[alterian]

Re: Lathe for Suppressors and general use

Yeah ive been on silencer talk and a few other forums, ive been trying to learn as much as i can. Im really leaning toward the G0602, i would really really love the 4003G but i could use the money i would save and put it to tooling.

Ok, here is one of the most important questions i have. How important is the size of the Bore hole on a lathe?
When working between centers and using a rest how much of a difference is there then working through the bore hole?

I have few more weeks until i can buy it, so i still have time to decide.

 

[Karl_T]

Re: Lathe for Suppressors and general use

Y

Ok, here is one of the most important questions i have. How important is the size of the Bore hole on a lathe?
When working between centers and using a rest how much of a difference is there then working through the bore hole?
.

You can make a part either way.

If you're using hard to machine material - titanium - working close to the chuck (large bore hole) on a good lathe is FAR more rigid.

So, if you're going to make just one; save your money.

If you plan on several parts you will REALLY APPRECIATE the higher quality machine.